What Truly Matters (Matthew 6:19-24)

I. Intro

Hey, quick question for you. Have you ever chased after something—thinking it would make you happy—only to end up feeling… kind of empty?

[Setting the Stage] Before we go any deeper, Let me share a story I think a lot of us can relate to.

[Personal Story – Hook] When I was growing up, I kept hearing the same message over and over: Go to a good college. Get a stable job. Make good money. That was the plan—according to my parents, teachers, pretty much everyone around me. And honestly, I believed it. So for the first part of my life, that’s exactly what I chased. A career. Success. Money. I thought that was my purpose. That was “the goal.”

[Turning Point – Faith Encounter] But then something happened. I met Jesus. And that changed everything. Because for the first time, I realized… My purpose wasn’t just to make money or climb a ladder. It was to worship God. To live in a way that honors Him. To know Him and make Him known.

[The Why – Main Message] I’m telling you this because there’s a big difference between what society says matters and what God says truly matters. The world tells us to chase status, wealth, followers, influence. But God? God invites us to something deeper. Something eternal.

[Reflection – Personal Application] So let me ask you— What are you chasing right now? Is it money? Recognition? Security? What are you hoping will finally make you feel “fulfilled”?

[Biblical Anchor – Matthew 6:19–21] Jesus actually talks about this exact thing in Matthew 6. He says: “Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up treasures in heaven. Because where your treasure is, that’s where your heart will be too.”

[Closing Challenge – Personal & Reflective] So here’s the big question: What treasure are you really seeking? And where is your heart truly invested?

II. The Heart-Treasure Connection

Scripture: Matthew 6:19–21

““Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

You know, Jesus isn’t just giving us financial advice here. He’s doing something deeper—He’s going straight for the heart. He knows that whatever we treasure… that’s what ends up steering our life.

[Greek Context – Made Simple] When Jesus says “store up,” The original Greek actually has the idea of hoarding—like stacking up piles of stuff we think we need to feel secure. But here’s the problem: Everything we try to hold onto in this life—money, fame, stuff, even other people’s approval—it’s all fragile.

[Examples – Down-to-Earth] Clothes? Moths can eat ‘em. Cars, tech, fancy things? They rust. Money? Someone can steal it—or the value can disappear overnight. Basically, earthly treasures don’t last. They’re vulnerable. They fade.

[Contrast – Eternal Focus] But Jesus tells us to store up treasures in heaven. What does that mean? It’s things that matter to God. Acts of love. Kindness. Obedience. Generosity. Faithfulness. These are the things that last—things that time, decay, or theft can’t touch.

[Spiritual Principle – Very Human] Jesus is teaching a simple but powerful truth: What you invest in the most… reveals what you love the most. Let me say that again—whatever you’re most passionate about? That’s where your heart really is.

[Quoting Barclay – Accessible] There’s a quote by the theologian William Barclay. He said: “A man’s real god is what he counts as best and works hardest for.” That one hits, doesn’t it?

[Reframing Worship – Daily Life] So yeah—worship? It’s not just about showing up to church and singing on Sundays. It’s about what you’re giving your life to. What gets your time, your energy, your thoughts, your money… That’s what you’re really worshipping.

[Commandment Connection – Direct] This whole thing goes back to the very first commandment: “You shall have no other gods before me.” It’s not just about statues or idols—it’s anything that starts to own us. Because here’s the truth: Things aren’t bad. But when they start owning us—that’s when it becomes a problem.

[Self-Check – Reflective Pause] So let me ask you… What are you treasuring most right now?

[Modern-Day Mirror – Everyday Audit] Want to find out? Look at your calendar—where’s your time going? Look at your thoughts—what do you daydream about when your mind wanders? Look at your spending—what gets your money without hesitation?

[Challenge – Big Picture] Are you pouring yourself into things that will outlive you… or things that will rot, rust, or be replaced next year?

[Invitation – Positive Shift] Jesus isn’t saying “Don’t be responsible.” He’s just inviting us to change the direction of our investments. Not away from life—but toward eternity.

[Practical Heaven-Building] Serving others. Loving people well. Living generously. Pursuing holiness. Those are the kind of treasures that never lose value.

[Final Challenge – Vision] So don’t just ask, “What can I get out of this life?” Ask instead, “What can I give to the world?” Because that’s where purpose is found. And that’s how we start investing in the only thing that really lasts—God’s kingdom.

III. The Eye as the Lamp: Clarity of Vision

Scripture: Matthew 6:22–23

““The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light within you is darkness, how deep is that darkness!”

Back in ancient times, people believed the eye was kind of like a window— It’s what let light into your whole body. So when Jesus talks about our eyes in this passage, He’s really talking about our focus—our inner vision. What are we looking at? What are we chasing?

[Healthy Eye – Everyday Language] Jesus says, “If your eye is healthy…” And the word He uses in Greek—haplous— It doesn’t just mean physically working. It means clear. Single. Undivided. It even has the sense of being generous and sincere.

So what does that mean for us?

A “healthy eye” is about more than eyesight. It means having a heart and a life that’s locked in on God. You're not spiritually cross-eyed—one eye on Jesus, one eye on the world. You’re focused. Wholehearted. Clear.

[Unhealthy Eye – Warning With Compassion] But then Jesus talks about the “bad” eye. And that word—ponēros—carries the weight of greed, selfishness, envy. It’s when your focus gets blurry. You’re chasing money, attention, stuff, validation. And when your “light” is actually darkness… That darkness runs deep.

[Cultural Tie-In – Jewish Idiom] This wasn’t just a random metaphor either. In Jewish culture, to have a “good eye” meant you were generous and kind. A “bad eye”? That meant you were stingy and self-focused. Jesus was pulling from something His listeners would totally understand. And He wasn’t just talking about giving— He was talking about our whole orientation. Our whole heart.

[Big Picture Connection – Flow of the Passage] And if you look at the whole passage, You’ll see—Jesus isn’t jumping around. This part about the eye? It connects directly to what He just said about treasure. What we treasure affects our focus. And what we focus on? That shapes our whole life.

[Reflection – Modern Struggle] So here’s the tough but honest question: What’s dominating your mental space these days?

Are your thoughts pulled toward stuff that fades away… Or toward the things that actually last?

Is your mind so cluttered with comparison, goals, and distractions… That it’s blurring your vision of God?

[Encouragement – Clear Focus] Because let’s be real— We live in a world that’s constantly trying to hijack our attention. Every scroll, every ad, every notification is screaming: “Look here! Care about this! Want this!”

But Jesus? He’s inviting us to recalibrate. To clear our vision. To fix our gaze on something that won’t disappoint.

[Closing Line – Hopeful Direction] When our focus is set on God— When we seek first His kingdom with an undivided heart— That’s when our whole life lights up. Our choices, our mindset, our values… all get clearer. Because when the eye is healthy, the whole body is full of light.

IV. Serving One Master: God or Wealth

Scripture: Matthew 6:24

““No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

So now, Jesus brings it all home. Treasure… focus… and now—who we serve. He’s not just wrapping things up—He’s giving us a reality check.

[Weight of the Word – Serve] Jesus says, “You can’t serve two masters.” And the word He uses for “serve” in the original Greek? It’s not casual. It means to serve like a bondslave—total, all-in allegiance. Not part-time loyalty. Not Sunday-morning faith. It’s about who owns your heart.

[The Clash – God vs. Money] And here’s what’s wild— Jesus doesn’t say it’s hard to serve both God and money. He says it’s impossible.

One will always win. One will always end up calling the shots.

[The Rival Master – What Money Promises] And let’s be honest— Money is more than paper. It’s a rival master. It promises you safety. It whispers, “If you just had more, you'd finally feel secure… respected… in control.”

But here’s the catch: Money always takes more than it gives. It never says “enough.”

[The True Master – What God Offers] But God? God invites us to trust Him as our provider. Our identity. Our peace.

And Jesus says—when you seek Him first… “All these things will be given to you.” Everything you need. Not everything you want—but everything that matters.

[Clarifying Wealth – Not the Enemy] Now listen— The Bible doesn’t say wealth is evil. But it does say wealth is dangerous when it becomes the thing you love most.

Think of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19. He wanted to follow Jesus… But he just couldn’t let go of his stuff. And that’s the story of so many people today.

[Spiritual Inventory – Ask Yourself] So let’s pause and get honest: Who—or what—do I really serve?

When I make decisions… Am I thinking, “What honors God?” Or is my default, “What boosts my income or comfort?”

When money and faith pull me in different directions… Which one do I obey?

[Challenge – Time to Choose] This is the moment to stop straddling the line. You can’t live in both kingdoms.

Jesus is saying: Choose.

[Freedom Redefined – Encouragement] And here’s the beautiful truth: Freedom doesn’t come from having everything. It comes from being His. Fully His.

When we serve God with undivided loyalty, we don’t become poor—we become rich in peace, in purpose, in joy, and in things that last forever.

V. Investing in Eternal Treasures

Scripture: Matthew 6:20

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal.”

Here’s the amazing part— Jesus doesn’t just tell us what not to chase. He shows us something better.

He says, “Invest in treasures in heaven.” Why? Because heavenly treasures are untouchable. They don’t wear out. They don’t lose value. No one can steal them. They’re tied to God’s eternal purposes—so they’re secure forever.

[Clarifying the Concept – What Are Heavenly Treasures?] Now, let’s be clear— He’s not talking about gold bars stacked in some vault in the sky. He’s talking about eternal impact.

Treasures in heaven are the fruit of a life aligned with God. They look like this: Loving when it costs you. Serving when no one’s watching. Giving so others can hear the gospel. Enduring in faith when life is hard. Choosing obedience, even when it’s uncomfortable.

That’s eternal currency.

[Reminder – Worth It Every Time] And Jesus reminds us— You’ll never regret investing in God’s kingdom. Sure, earthly rewards feel good now. But eternal rewards? They outlast everything.

[Biblical Anchor – 1 Timothy 6:18–19] Paul says it beautifully in 1 Timothy: “Tell them to do good. To be rich in good works. To be generous and ready to share— storing up treasure for the future, as a firm foundation for the coming age.”

That’s how heaven’s economy works. Faith. Hope. Love. These are the investments that stand the test of time.

[Practical Application – This Week] So what does that look like—today, this week, this year?

It means investing in people. Encouraging someone who’s tired. Pouring into the next generation. Sharing Jesus with someone who’s searching.

These things may seem small. They may even go unnoticed by the world. But in God’s eyes? Nothing done in faith is ever wasted.

Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 10:42— “If you give even a cup of cold water to someone in My name, you won’t lose your reward.”

[Conclusion – Aligning Heart and Treasure] So here’s where it all comes together: What we treasure shapes what we focus on. What we focus on shapes who we serve. And who we serve shapes everything else.

When your heart is aligned with heaven, your treasure will follow. Your decisions will shift. Your priorities will make sense. And your life—your whole life—will be filled with light.

Don’t live for what fades. Live for what lasts.

Let’s store up treasure where it truly counts. Let’s live for what matters most. Let’s be all in for the kingdom.

Conclusion: Aligning Heart and Treasure

So let’s zoom out for a moment.

We’ve talked about treasure. We’ve talked about focus. We’ve talked about masters. And we’ve talked about the difference between what fades and what lasts.

At the end of the day, here’s what it all comes down to: Do you love Jesus?

Not just in theory. Not just when it’s convenient. But with your heart, your choices, your attention, your life.

Because that’s what truly matters.

When you love Him, you’ll want to treasure what He treasures. You’ll want to focus on what He says is worth your time. You’ll want to serve Him—not because you have to, but because you get to.

Loving Jesus realigns everything. It frees us from the pressure of performing. It loosens the grip of materialism. It clears our vision. And it anchors our hearts in something eternal.

So today, if you’re feeling pulled in every direction— if you’re tired of chasing things that don’t satisfy— come back to this simple, powerful question: Do I love Jesus?

Because when the answer is yes, you’ll start living for what really matters.

Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Amen. Let us Pray.